A Month of Tried and True Slow Cooker Recipes for Dinner
Using my slow cooker changed the way I feel about dinner!
Since when did cooking start to feel like a chore? I used to love cooking meals for my family, but lately, I found myself dreading Sunday’s when I normally start meal planning for the week ahead. The idea of working full-time from home, homeschooling two of my kids, jumping straight from work to making dinner, was something I just wasn’t interested in doing anymore. I was so exhausted by the time dinner was over and knew I need to figure something out.
One evening, I went into the pantry to grab an ingredient for one of my meals and I saw my old slow cooker. The one I hadn’t even thought about using for dinner in who knows when. I then came up with a plan to use my slow cooker for every meal, for a month (excluding weekends because that’s when I’m off duty- ha).
I wanted to create meals my family loved that required little effort from me. They say a way to a man’s heart is through their stomach, but I’m convinced the way to my children eating every meal is through the crockpot. Without fail, each and every recipe I created during the month of September, my kids not only ate their plates clean, but had seconds. If that’s not a mom win, I don’t know what is!
So what did I cook for my family? Here’s the list that worked for us. All these recipes, I’ve personally used and wouldn’t recommend one that wasn’t delicious. If you’re worried about the mass amount of leftovers, you can reduce the recipe to fit your family size, freeze the leftovers, or use the leftovers for lunches.
Week 1
Monday – Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
This recipe from Damn Delicious is wonderful. We usually pair this with steamed or baked broccoli
Tuesday- Taco Soup
Taco Tuesday! This taco soup is probably the best taco soup I’ve ever had and makes a great leftover.
Wednesday – Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Pasta is my favorite meal of the week and this recipe is delicious. We never have leftovers with this one because the family ALWAYS goes back for more!
Thursday – Beef and Broccoli
This recipe not only tastes great, but its Whole3o approved, Keto, Paleo, and Gluten-Free!
Friday – Pulled Chicken
Fridays are for fun so pair these with some yummy baked fries and a fresh salad!
Week 2
Monday – Tuscan Chicken
This one is my absolute favorite crockpot recipe I’ve ever made! Seriously, the flavors in this one taste so well together.
Tuesday- Taco Pasta
Taco Tuesday is back again and this is a great way to mix things up!
Wednesday – Honey Garlic Chicken
I made this one last week and it’s definitely going to become a staple in our weekly rotations.
Thursday – Paleo Pot Roast
This recipe starts off how to make a pot roast in the oven, but if you scroll down, you’ll see the recipe for making it in the crockpot. My only recommendation is to make sure the meat you use isn’t fatty.
Friday – Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
This one requires little effort and packs a whole lot of yummy flavor!
Week 3
Monday – Chili
I mean, who doesn’t love some chili?
Tuesday- Chicken Enchilada
Best slow cooker enchilada recipe out there, prove me wrong! Best part? It’s healthy!
Wednesday – Beef on Rice
Beef, it’s what’s for dinner! My toddler’s favorite meal of the week.
Thursday – Chicken Dumplings
Seriously some good comfort food!
Friday – Minestrone Soup
Skip the meat this week and try this flavorful minestrone soup!
Week 4
Monday – BBQ Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potato and Coleslaw
Just the chicken is made in the crockpot and she explains how to do it in the recipe, but the spotlight is on that coleslaw! If you make this recipe, do yourself a favor and don’t skip the coleslaw!
Tuesday- Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Are you catching our theme for Tuesday dinners?
Wednesday – Beef Stroganoff
This is always requested by my significant other. It’s his absolute favorite!
Thursday – Lasagna
This is another favorite in the house and one I keep on rotation!
Friday – Cilantro Lime Chicken
If you don’t like cilantro, we can’t be friends. This chicken is INCREDIBLE! Serve how you like, but we love eating it in a tortilla with some avocado slices and black beans.